Legacy of Luna 2

ELEVEN years old and willing to help was how Olivia Bouler described herself to the Audubon Society when she contacted them about the tragedy in the Gulf.

The aspiring ornithologist, artist, and saxophone player wept — like many of us — when she heard about the oil spill in the news.

But uniquely, Olivia was moved to help. Knowing birds were going to suffer, she had to take action.

Inspired by her hero, James Audubon, Olivia wrote to the Audubon Society about her fund-raising idea — using her talent as an artist to give bird drawings to those who donated to wildlife recovery efforts.

To date, she has drawn more than 100 different species of birds, and 400 + original drawings. Olivia was recently featured as an AOL Artist, and the company donated $25,000 to the Audubon Society in her name. Olivia’s Profile on AOL Artists

To appreciate the sacredness of nature doesn’t always take the insights of a naturalist like John Muir. Often it only requires an innocence of heart, usually a child’s — as in Matthew 18:3-4, to “become as little children.”

Unlike adults, young children don’t mince words just to win approval. What they see is what they say.

In her restoration of Theosophy in the world, H. P. Blavatsky was not abstract when it came to standing up for the planet —“help Nature and work on with her” she wrote — and stood up for what she saw as widespread animal abuse and cruelty. (See recent post: Animal Souls)

To become true planetary partners, Blavatsky wrote, we must learn from the Book of the Golden Precepts to “regain the child-state” we have lost.

Olivia’s Story – CBS News

Community Service

At fifteen, Garfield High School student Jessica Markowitz has already done more than many adults do in a lifetime. After learning about the genocide in Rwanda, Jessica created her own non-profit, now called IMPUHWE, which gives Rwandan children, especially girls, the opportunity to go to school.

Jessica Markowitz

Visiting Rwanda regularly, Jessica sees life in a third-world country first-hand. Honored for her extensive charitable work, Jessica was recently featured on the cover of Parade Magazine, going to a ceremony at the White House (with Vice-President Joe Biden and Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, in attendance) as a part of the All-American Service League.

Parades All-America

Actor Matthew McConaughey joins Parade’s All-America High School Service Team members Jessica Markowitz and David Sanchez for a photo shoot to honor students who are changing their communities through service.

Once Upon a School

For a related example of practical Theosophy, be inspired by writer and educator Dave Eggers, and his ongoing project to help children. Eggers writes:

“There’s nothing to be gained from passive observance, the simple documenting of conditions, because, at its core, it sets a bad example.

“Every time something is observed and not fixed,” he says,

“… or when one has a chance to give in some way and does not, there is a lie being told, the same lie we all know by heart but which needn’t be reiterated.”

“They were successful in many projects before 1992, when they raised enough money to go to the UN’s Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

“Their aim was to remind the decision-makers of who their actions or inactions would ultimately affect.

“The goal was reached when 12 yr old Severn closed a Plenary Session with a powerful speech that received a standing ovation.”

Her conclusion after all:

“Real Change does not happen at international conferences.”

More information on Severn’s father David Suzuki’s website:

Born to writer Tara Elizabeth Cullis and geneticist and environmental activist David Suzuki, Severn Cullis-Suzuki has spoken around the world about environmental issues, urging listeners to define their values, act with the future in mind, and take individual responsibility.

In this video clip, Severn describes her youth in which she visited a village in the Amazon forest.

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